The stars usually get the posters, the heavy lines, and the spotlight. But once in a while, it’s someone in the background who ends up stealing the moment. They may not have many scenes or big twists, but there’s a quiet magic they bring, something that lingers. They don’t force themselves into focus; they just naturally draw your eye. Sometimes it’s a glance, a small gesture, or the way they feel so real that you keep thinking about them long after the movie ends.
By the time the credits roll, it’s their lines you’re quoting and their scenes that stay with you. Here’s a look at seven such performances where the “side” role became the one audiences truly fell in love with.
Arshad Warsi as Circuit – Munna Bhai
Back in 2003, when Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. hit screens, everyone expected Sanjay Dutt to carry the film. And he did, but standing right next to him, in sunglasses and street-smart swagger, was Circuit. Arshad Warsi turned what could have been just a comic sidekick into a character people quote even now. His chemistry with Munna, his loyalty, and his comic timing made Circuit more than just a funny guy; he became the soul of the film. Some even say Lage Raho Munna Bhai worked better because of him.
Paresh Rawal as Baburao – Hera Pheri (2000)
Ask any ’90s kid to mimic a movie character, and you’ll likely hear “Utha le re baba!” Paresh Rawal’s Baburao wasn’t just funny, he was unforgettable. Between Akshay Kumar’s cleverness and Suniel Shetty’s confusion, it was Baburao’s half-blind antics and quirky wisdom that turned Hera Pheri into a cult classic. Even two decades later, memes and reels still bring him back to life. It’s rare when a supporting character becomes the face of an entire comedy, but Paresh Rawal did exactly that.
Kangana Ranaut as Shonali – Fashion (2008)
Priyanka Chopra may have led the story, but it was Kangana Ranaut’s turn as Shonali that caught people off guard, in the best way. As a top model crumbling behind the scenes, her performance felt unfiltered and deeply personal. Without much dialogue or drama, she managed to show the loneliness and breakdown that often hides behind stardom. Every time she appeared, the energy shifted. The gloss of the fashion world faded, replaced by a heavy, emotional truth. Her National Award wasn’t just about the role; it was a nod to how convincingly she disappeared into it.
Siddhant Chaturvedi as MC Sher – Gully Boy (2019)
Ranveer Singh might’ve had the lead role, but Siddhant Chaturvedi’s MC Sher brought the film its edge. As the confident, grounded mentor who helps Murad find his voice, Sher felt like someone real, cool without trying too hard, supportive without stealing the spotlight. Siddhant played him with such quiet strength that you couldn’t help but root for him. For someone new to the big screen, he had the kind of impact seasoned actors work years for. From his first rap to his final scene, he didn’t just support the lead; he left his own mark.
Rajkummar Rao as Pritam Vidrohi – Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017)
Rajkummar Rao wasn’t the lead, but he easily became the film’s most memorable part. Playing Pritam Vidrohi, he went from a shy, nervous salesman to a comically over-the-top tough guy, and the switch was nothing short of brilliant. His transformation was so unexpected and perfectly timed, it made every scene he was in feel like a surprise. The fun wasn’t just in the lines; it was in how he walked, talked, and completely owned both sides of the character. You could remove everyone else from the frame, and it would still be worth watching just for him.
Vicky Kaushal as Kamli – Sanju (2018)
It’s tough to shine in a biopic where every frame belongs to the main character. But Vicky Kaushal’s Kamli made his presence felt without shouting. As Sanju’s best friend, he was the anchor, the emotional compass. He wasn’t flashy, but he was real, someone who stays even when everything else falls apart. Vicky’s performance was so grounded that many came out of the film talking more about Kamli than Sanju himself. It was the kind of role that stays with you long after the film ends.
Deepak Dobriyal as Pappi – Tanu Weds Manu
Pappi wasn’t a hero. He wasn’t a villain. He was just… Pappi. And that’s what made him special. Deepak Dobriyal brought a strange kind of innocence to this sidekick. He was loyal, confused, funny without trying, and somehow the most relatable person in the room. Whether he was running after trains or getting dragged into love dramas he didn’t understand, Pappi made every scene better. By the sequel, people weren’t watching just for the leads; they were waiting for Pappi to appear.
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Final Thoughts
Lead actors may bring people to the theatre, but it’s often the supporting ones who make them remember the film. These roles didn’t have the most screen time or the biggest emotional arcs, but they had heart. They felt honest. And in the middle of all the drama, romance, or action, they gave us something unexpected: comfort, laughter, and sometimes, even a surprise tear.
So next time you’re watching a film, pay attention to the guy in the background, or the friend standing beside the hero. You never know, they might just become your favorite part of the story.
Writer – Subham Choudhary